Gareth Southgate could have a major selection dilemma on his hands ahead of the Qatar World Cup as Ashley Williams feels Newcastle United’s Nick Pope could start for England.
Nick Pope should feel he ‘should be starting for England’ with Newcastle form
Ashley Williams has claimed on the BBC’s Final Score that Nick Pope will feel he should be starting for England with the early form the goalkeeper has shown since joining Newcastle United, following a £12m transfer to St James’ Park on the back of relegation with Burnley.
- FOFANA AND RICHARLISON IN THE MOST EXPENSIVE DEALS BY LONDON-BASED PL CLUBS
- ANTONY AND DARWIN NUNEZ IN THE MOST EXPENSIVE DEALS BY NORTH WEST PL CLUBS
Eddie Howe took advantage of the Clarets falling into the Championship to raid Turf Moor for a new starting shot-stopper in June. Pope initially arrived on Tyneside to challenge the Magpies’ former first-choice, Martin Dubravka, but he made light work of winning the gig.
So impressive were Pope’s early displays between the sticks in the North East, Newcastle allowed Dubravka to leave the club. Manchester United hired the Slovakian on a season-long loan for £2m at the start of September, with their deal including a £6m option to buy.
Pope immediately justified his transfer to Newcastle on debut against Nottingham Forest with a clean sheet and several important saves. The 30-year-old then backed up his display at Brighton & Hove Albion, recording another shut out following a host of key stops again.
Even after shipping three goals to Manchester City, Pope could hold his head high having made seven saves across the 21 shots Newcastle allowed, per WhoScored. He also pulled off a number of impressive stops despite conceding twice away to Liverpool in late August.
Nick Pope has chance to impress Gareth Southgate with Jordan Pickford injured
Pope has pretty much stood up to everything opposition offences have thrown at him with Newcastle. The Soham-born shot-stopper will now look to add to his eight England caps in the Three Lions’ Nations League matches with Italy and Germany on September 23 and 26.
Gareth Southgate has mostly kept Pope to a back-up role over the last four years since his maiden call-up in March 2018. But the England coach will be without regular No.1, Jordan Pickford, later this month with the Everton goalkeeper currently absent with a thigh injury.
Pickford had been in fine form himself at Goodison Park before he suffered his blow during the Merseyside derby with Liverpool. Now, Williams feels Pope should head to the England camp believing he should start in ties against Italy and Germany after shining at Newcastle.
“Nick Pope has put himself into a position where he should feel that he should be starting for England,” Williams said. “He’s playing well. He suits the style that Eddie Howe is playing with Newcastle.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
